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Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease
usually starts very slowly and subtly. Some people notice a tremor in just a single finger. (Michael J. Fox discovered his Parkinson's disease this way.) Over time, this tremor begins to affect the whole hand, and then the entire arm. Other symptoms may also begin gradually, becoming more severe over time. Not everybody with Parkinson’s disease develops every single symptom.
In addition, some of these symptoms (specifically
depression, sleep disturbance, and loss of smell) may start years before any tremor is noticed.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may include:

Shakes or tremors

Usually occurs at rest, may disappear while you are purposely moving

Usually absent during sleep

May worsen when you’re under emotional stress

May take the form of “pill rolling” (a rubbing movement of the index finger and thumb)

Tremors tend to start in a single finger on one hand, but may progress to the entire arm, head, lips, feet

Slowed movements (bradykinesia)

Walking and other movement becomes very slow

You may begin to shuffle when walking

Your steps become shorter and shorter

Muscle stiffness or rigidity

If someone takes your arm and tries to move it, it will seem as if you are purposely tightening up your muscles and resisting, although this is happening completely involuntarily.

Your handwriting may become very small and cramped, as it becomes more difficult to initiate movement.

You’ll lose the ability to participate in automatic movement, such as blinking and swinging your arms while walking.

Because swallowing becomes increasingly difficult, you may begin to drool and have an increased risk of choking on food.

Stiffened facial muscles may take on an expression called the “Parkinson’s face,” an unblinking, unsmiling, mask-like stare.

You may have difficulty initiating movement and difficulty rising from a seated position.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.